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School is out, Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and our thoughts are quickly turning to pool side relaxation and backyard barbecues. I’m in! Who’s with me?!? But, as the hot sun burns brightly in the sky, so does the temptation of summer burnout drain our zeal and fervor. This year, let’s stop it before it starts!

Burnout. Using the fitness world as an example, how many of us have long forgotten our New Year’s resolutions now that June is knocking on our doors? We give up much too quickly saying, “Well, if I haven’t achieved my goal by now, it’s just not going to happen. Go ahead and add that scoop of ice cream to my cherry pie.” Haha! Am I the only one?

The struggle is real.

So, I’ve thought about it and I’ve concluded there are three syndromes to blame:
1) Short-sighteditis
2) Complacencemia
3) Idontphilia-likit disease

And you know what? All three of these “conditions” have the same root cause. The true culprit is taking our eyes off the goal.

As Christians, we can easily contract these diseases (and believe me, they are contagious, so be careful of the voices you listen to!). We are called to be the light of the world. But what happens when we feel like our light is no brighter than a lightening bug flying about on these soon-to-be muggy evenings?

The struggle is real.

The praises of God are to ever be on our lips, but what happens when discouragement comes and we can barely lift our heads?

The struggle is real.

What is the cure for this all to common ailment? Well, the prescription, of course, is a heaping dose of Jesus! I realize I sound corny, but it’s true. Only He can help us put things back into perspective.

Sometimes we get so caught up in the trees that we miss seeing the forest. Jesus gives us that heavenly perspective that brings purpose back into our lives. He focuses our eyes back on the goal. He reminds us of our why.

The ‘why’ is the reason we do what we do. We love because He first loved us. Even when others are unloveable. We praise Him because He is worthy. Even when it is a sacrifice of praise. We let our lights shine for all to see because Jesus is the hope of glory within us. Even the light of a lightening bug pierces the darkness.

So, if there is an area in your life where you are feeling burnout – an area maybe you’ve been neglecting for sometime, or maybe a dream lost in the yesteryears – remember your why. Reflect upon it. Let it ignite your passion to finish that work which He started within you. Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith!

Meditate upon these scriptures below. May the word of God stir the waters of your spirit and rekindle the fires of purpose within you. There are great things in store for you when you keep your focus and keep pressing in! Even when it’s… One. Step. At. A. Time.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.” –Romans 12:10-12

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but the one who has insight draws them out.” –Proverbs 20:5

“Then the Lord answered me and said, ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end – it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.'” –Habakkuk 2:2-3

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 3:14

God always has perfect timing. Trust Him. Keep the faith. Keep your eyes on the goal.

Remember your why.